Zachary finished wiping down the stove, washed the rag, and proceeded to wash his hands again. Then he turned to walk toward Serenity and stopped before her. His large hands cradled her face and pinched it lightly a few times before he said, smiling, “I told you, you should go only if you want to go. If you don’t, then you don’t. I don’t mind either way.”

Serenity grabbed his hand, walked to the balcony with him, and sat down on the swing.

She leaned against his shoulder and together, they looked out at the city lights.

“When all the houses below are all lit up, the huge building opposite us goes all dark. They’ve all gone home for New Year’s.”

“Tomorrow morning, we’re going back to the old residence. I’ve already informed Nana and there’s already a room arranged for us to stay in.”

Zachary had his arm around her shoulders as their heads leaned against each other.

That moment was full of warmth and sweetness.

“Seren, our old York family residence is really old. I hope you won’t